Struggles

Chapter 9: Whose Side are You On?

There are so many perks to being a cockroach. Every time there's any sign of someone coming, I carefully crawl into a hiding spot, usually at the corner of the ceiling. For a government agency, they've gotten a little too comfortable. I'm sure Monger will have their heads later, but I'm not too worried about it.

I search for a good fifteen minutes until I finally begin to recognize parts of the building. The General tricked me, it seems. I was at the base the entire time… I applaud him on his lying abilities, but it still frustrates me just a little. Oh well, it's something I'll deal with later, if I deal with it at all.

"Is the 'copter ready, Lieutenant?"

I freeze, pressing myself into a corner as I hear the familiar voice. If anyone will notice, it's General Monger.

"Yes sir. Any time you're ready."

"Perfect."

Already? It hasn't been three hours yet, has it? I just hope there will still be time before he leaves. Looking down, I can see him and the Lieutenant walk by. My breath catches in my throat when the General stops suddenly.

Don't look up… don't look up…

He turns, glancing up. For a second, I'm sure he's spotted me, our eyes meeting so briefly.

"Is something wrong, General?"

The lieutenant turns to look, but to my surprise, Monger grabs him by the shoulder, forcing him to look forward again. "Nothing at all, Lieutenant."

I'm stunned. What is he doing? Is it truly possible that he hadn't seen me? Or was it something else? Was he giving me a chance to stop this before things get out of hand? I honestly haven't a clue, but whatever it is, I'm thankful.

Releasing the breath I'd been holding for so long, I begin to move again, crawling along the walls.

-

This might be a little easier than I thought. Standing just outside of the usual prison, there are four agents, all suited up with protective gear. They must be trying to get the gloves, I realize, smirking a little. That's our dear Susan. Never giving up. Still, I can't help but notice the tranquilizers in their hands.

That won't do at all.

They press the button to open the door, all immediately pointing their weapons. Sure enough Susan is there, holding one of the little metal chairs, ready to throw it at the first person who even things of stepping closer.

"Ms. Murphy," one of the agents speaks. "Please put the chair d-"

Too late. I cringe a little as she launches the chair, knocking three of the four agents back. It doesn't seem like she needs my help, but I assist anyways, dropping from the wall, right on top of the last one, sending him onto his back.

"Thank you, my good sir," I say as I grab the tranquilizer gun he'd dropped, though he already seems to be knocked out. Looking up, I can see how stunned Susan is and I smile. "Hello, my dear."

"Dr. Cockroach!" She runs forward, nearly knocking me down as she throws her arm around my shoulders. I have to take a step back to balance myself, but I manage. She buried her face into my neck, tightening her hold. "You're alright…"

"Yes," I confirm. "Perfectly fine. And you, Susan?"

I can feel the faint vibration of her laugh through my coat. "Yeah… me too."

I reach up, gently cupping each side of her face and pulling her into a brief kiss. The fact that we're in the middle of a base that wants us captured and locked up does occur to me, but for the moment, I allow myself to just be happy to see her. I'd been so worried, with the talk about the weapons-

The weapons.

Breaking away, I pull back enough to look at her. "We have to go now, my dear. We don't have a lot of time."

"The others are in New York," Susan points out. "If we take-"

"We're not going to New York, my dear." She furrows her brows, obviously confused.

"What do you mean? We can't just-"

"We're not going to leave them," I promise. "But this isn't going to go away Susan." Glancing over my shoulder, I can hear agents rushing over. "We can't keep running forever."

"Then what are we going to do?"

"Let's get out of here first, then I'll explain," I respond, turning. "On my back, my dear." She's obviously doubtful, but she obeys, climbing onto my back. I begin to crawl up the walls, glancing at the vent at the very top of the huge room. "Looks like we're going to same way as last time."

One might think they'd learn their lesson. Then again, considering that brief run-in with General Monger, I'm not sure what to think anymore.